Purpose
The Crossover from Correctional Officer to Law Enforcement Officer program prepares currently certified Florida correctional officers to transition into careers as Florida law enforcement officers. Through competency-based classroom instruction and hands-on practical training, students build upon their existing criminal justice experience while developing the legal knowledge, patrol techniques, investigative skills, defensive tactics, communication abilities, and professional judgment required for law enforcement certification. The program is designed to support lateral movement within Florida’s criminal justice system and prepare graduates for certification and employment as law enforcement officers throughout the state.
PROGRAM STRUCTURE
OCP A
Crossover from Correctional Officer to Law Enforcement Officer
Length: 518 Hours
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Requirements
Age 18+
Academic skill level
required to complete program:
Reading 12, Math 12, Language/Writing 12
Diploma
HS Diploma or Equivalent
Pre-Registration
Fingerprinting Background Check
CJBAT Exam
Certification(s)
Law Enforcement Officer
Ready to Get Started?
Advance your career with specialized crossover training that prepares certified correctional officers for certification as Florida law enforcement officers.
APPLY NOW!
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Criminal Law
& Legal Procedures
Build on your correctional officer experience by developing a deeper understanding of Florida criminal law, constitutional law, arrest procedures, search and seizure, and the legal responsibilities of a law enforcement officer.
Patrol Operations
& Community Policing
Learn the principles of patrol, responding to calls for service, proactive policing, community engagement, officer safety, and effective decision-making in the field.
Investigations
& Report Writing
Develop investigative techniques, conduct interviews, preserve crime scenes, gather evidence, and prepare clear, accurate, and professional law enforcement reports.
Traffic Enforcement
& Vehicle Operations
Defensive Tactics
& Officer Safety
Strengthen skills in defensive tactics, use of force, firearms, conducted electrical weapons (CEW), physical fitness, first aid, and techniques for safely controlling and restraining individuals.
Career Readiness
& State Certification
Prepare for certification as a Florida Law Enforcement Officer by building upon your correctional experience while developing the advanced knowledge, technical skills, professionalism, and leadership needed to successfully transition into law enforcement.
PROGRAM AT A GLANCE
$1,839.56
In-State
See Cost Breakdown for Out-of-State and Differentia
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Pell Eligible
NO
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Career Source
YES
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Tri-County
No
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Online
No
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PROGRAM RESOURCES
Crossover from Correctional Officer
to Law Enforcement Officer
This training program will prepare students who are currently Correctional Officers to become Law Enforcement Officers. The Criminal Justice Standards and Training Commission have established basic recruit cross-over training programs to provide lateral movement of Florida officers between criminal justice disciplines. Within this program, selected sections of the Florida CMS Law Enforcement Basic Recruit Training Program have been modified to fit the needs of Correctional officers wanting to become certified Florida Law Enforcement Officers. The content includes, but is not limited to, knowledge of codes of ethics; laws, rules, and regulations of arrest; search and seizure; patrol procedures; traffic control and direction; law enforcement vehicle operations; investigation of traffic crashes; DUI enforcement techniques; crime scene investigation techniques; trial procedures and testimony; communications.
Maintain order and protect life and property by enforcing local, tribal, state, or federal laws and ordinances. Perform a combination of the following duties: patrol a specific area; direct traffic; issue traffic summonses; investigate accidents; apprehend and arrest suspects, or serve legal processes of courts.